“Blow Out’s” Tish Dishes to NAILS

Just when you thought you’d had your fill of reality shows, Bravo brings us “Blow Out.” You may have caught some episodes, which are now in repeats, but here is the low-down.

Hairstylist Jonathan Antin is trying to launch his second salon in Beverly Hills Bringing in staff from his previous salon and adding new members to the team, he is looking for a top-notch staff to maintain an upscale image.

I had the chance to speak with Tish Rourke, the only nail tech at Jonathan. Unfortunately, the program gave us only a glimpse of Tish. Here is her story:

LM: How did you get involved with “Blow Out”?

TR: When I heard they were doing a show, I asked Jonathan to be part of it I told him I would love to do the show. I did not have to interview since I worked at his other salon in West Hollywood.

LM: Did you have any hesitation in doing the show?

TR: No. The camera and crew took a little getting used to, but after a while you just fall into your daily routine and forget they are there.

LM: How did you get your start in the business?

TR: In the 80s, I was getting acrylics and my manicurist suggested I go to school for nails I had a clientele waiting for me at my mother’s salon in Modesto [Calif]. From there I moved to Southern California, working at a high-end salon I then went to José Eber’s on Rodeo Drive This was my start at a career that has been good to me for the past 15 years.

LM: We hardly saw you on the show. Where were you?

TR: I have been there Editing.

LM: What are your favourite products and implements?

TR: My favorite acrylic product is NSI I hardly do acrylics, but when I do, that’s what I use I don’t use an electric file, I am more of a natural gal For the show I use all Re-’lon products since they sponsor “Blow Out.”

LM: Would you care to share with us your famous High Roller Buff?

TR: I use a buffing paste from Japan called P Shine with a chamois buffer. This creates a glass-like shine that lasts two weeks. Most of my clients have short natural nails. My male clients usually get this on their fingers and toes.

LM: You have done many celebrities. What do they like?

TR; Renée Zellweger is a big fan of the High Roller Buff, which I am in the process of copyrighting. The client I am in most awe of is Vanessa Redgrave. I’m not star-struck, it’s just that she is such a wonderful actress and such a pleasure to do.

LM: How do you feel about the state of the nail industry today?

TR: The discount shops have changed the nail business. There are even some high-end salons that are like factories. The state board will fine $100 if there is no label on a water bottle, yet will let some places get away with no sanitation. I think we need a manicurists’ union!

LM: So you believe in sanitation?

TR: Yes. I am a freak about washing hands and feet. I have an Ultronics system to clean my implements.

LM: What would you tell new nail techs?

TR: Act secure with clients. Relax and do what you know. The client does not know what you do not know. Go with the flow and the client will be comfortable with you

LM: Did “Blow Out” portray you fairly?

TR: Yes. On the second show I came across as sassy and a “smarty pants “ I was not going to let the young gals tell me what to do I get to have fun on the job, but this was a transition — new people working together. But it is all falling into place now.

LM: Will there be a second season for “Blow Out”?

TR: I hope so. It was a great experience and was fun. Once we got used to the cameras and crew, it was all over, and now we are getting acclimated to the old routine. We have not heard yet whether there will be a second season.

LM: So Jonathan’s stays open?

TR: Yes. We’re booked pretty far in advance.

Lynnette Madden is the owner of Salon 29 at Main in East Greenville, Pa.